Outdoor Living Space
Outdoor Living Space
If you have ever found yourself looking wistfully out the window, wanting to enjoy the beautiful outside air, but those old lawn chairs do not look that inviting, there is a solution. Most people think of their house as their house, and their yard as a separate outdoor entity, to be experienced only occasionally. You would be amazed and impressed, however, to see the magic that a professional landscape design company can do on almost any outdoor space. It goes far beyond simply making your backyard nicer, it can be as if you are getting an extension to your home.
Free Your Design
It is easy to fall into the habit of arranging your home the way you feel like you are supposed to arrange it; four walls separating you from your yard, with almost all living accommodations within these walls. But think of all the space you are wasting! You may hang out in the yard once in a while now, but imagine the possibilities that would open up if you embrace the idea of having an outdoor living space that truly was a part of your home, rather than just the area that surrounds it. If you think big, it is almost like adding on a room, which can be put to whatever purpose you would like.
Fun Ideas
When considering what to do with the area that right now might just look like a plain old lawn, try to envision what you would really get the most enjoyment out of. If you love to have friends over and entertain, you may want to consider an entertainment area where you can serve meals, and even prepare them. If you complete this setup with an outdoor bar, you will never even need to run back in the house! You could also go with your own private little getaway in a beautiful, exotic private garden (which your friends would also love to relax in). Picture spending your free afternoons lounging around in the open air with a cool drink or some hot tea, and you can probably get on board with this idea.
Professional Look
No matter what type of space fits you and your lifestyle, if you contact the right professional landscape design company, the result is going to be simply breathtaking. Whether you just need them to implement the vision you already have, or design something completely original based on a few parameters you have, you will be blown away by how even the most basic space can be completely transformed into your own personal paradise.…
Landscaping Rock Can Make Your Yard Look Great
Landscaping Rock Can Make Your Yard Look Great
The good thing about landscaping rock is that people are able to have depth and texture to the design of their landscape. There are few different forms of landscaping rock but there are two, which are commonly used. And it that case, let me introduce you good information about it.
These forms include the different colors of rock that are used for landscaping and there are also stones of different kinds that everyone can use to add some highlight to their yard. There is a need to have different kinds of rocks for every landscaping design. It may be large or small depending on what is best suited for your yard.
The best way of using landscaping rock is to apply it with its full significance toward your design for your yard. Rocks should be used to actually add some accent to your yard and not just to cover up some ugly spots or some parts, which you do not want to be noticed.
Putting them in random parts will only be useless and that will not do anything good to your yard. It will instead cause an unbalanced look of the yard. Landscaping rock should be put in such a way that it will add beauty to the design of the landscape.
It will be better if you bury these rocks to where they will be placed. Not only that it will prevent disposition, they will also look like it is where they are supposed to be placed and not look like they are just put there for no reason.
The depth of the rock to which it will be buried matters a lot depending on the size that you choose for your yard. The larger the landscaping rock, the deeper it should be buried and shallower for the small ones. A depth of four to six inches is good enough for a rock.
Landscaping rock will not give you a hard time. You just have to dig a spot depending on the size of the rock then place it there. Fill up the surroundings of the rock with some soil and you are done!
Imagine how great these rocks and boulders will look like if they were placed in your yard and still look as natural as they do when they are out in nature. So if you are hiking or maybe just taking a walk, take your time to stop by and take a look at some rocks that you think will be good for your yard.…
Landscaping Components
Landscaping Components
When you are considering updating your landscape design, you ought to look at a couple of things. These include durability, balance, function and also aesthetics. The mixture of all four variables work and coexists in unity to create a gorgeous and balanced landscape design. Let’s take each one of them and probe further.
In terms of the aesthetics, everyone wants to keep a lovely garden. They wish it to be appealing to inspire envy and conversations. All the fundamentals that make up an ideal garden ought to be prepared to look their very best. This includes the flowers looking healthy, fresh and elegant. The trees must be properly trimmed for them to look grand. Your tender pergolas and also your structures like statues and fountains needs to be striking as well. Everything combined should be beyond a regular wow.
Choosing items for your own garden needs a great deal of thinking. This incorporates the landscape gardeners that you choose, the species of flowers and trees and the styles of the structures need to be well thought of. The plans that you have in your mind will not occur immediately. It will take plenty of work and consideration.
When your neighbors and friends see your landscape design you simply hope for admiration as well as praises from them. Your goal is to make all the features to not only stand out but also coexist to bring about a breathtaking result. You expect each item to achieve its function and draw people in, for instance the gazebos and fountains but you don’t wish them to get all the attention either thus make sure that they are not too large and showy.
You need to lay all the pieces in their ideal locations and make them work together to make your landscape design spectacular. From the task that landscape gardeners do, every part should appear like it takes minimal time to preserve, but nonetheless look nice. The elements should carry out their objective; for example a tree giving shade, the shrubs, fencing and statues to the sprinkler system not distracting but delivering the plants the precious water that they need to have.
There should be balance. All the living animals, plants and structures really should coexist as part of your garden. There must not be any invasion in addition, colors should be complimentary with the plants. The way you arrange your stone pathways, should be placed in a way that people can appreciate the landscape designs but not feel encroached on, as they walk-through. On top of that, any outdoor furniture that you choose must be able to stand up to the test of time and frequent pummel from the weather and outdoor elements. All of these factors are what create awesome landscape design.…
Getting a Swimming Pool – Where Do I Start?
Getting a Swimming Pool – Where Do I Start?
If you are considering installing a pool, do your homework. In order to know that you are taking the correct steps contact your local building commission. They can tell you where to start and what steps to take.
Builders must be registered with the Builders Commission Practitioners Board. They must hold a current building registration. Before you sign a contract with any builder ask to see their registration card, or go to the Building Commissions web site. Once you have a registered builder, get a contract. The contract is for your protection, as well as, the builders. Be sure that you understand what you are signing.
Victorian state law requires that domestic building insurance be issued for all building work over $12,000, this includes pools and spas. Do not begin installation until you have an insurance certificate in hand. Without this insurance you are completely unprotected. The insurance certificate ensures that when the pool is completed, there will be a 6 year structural warranty. If, in the future, you decide to sell your home the insurance certificate is transferable. You are required, by law, to provide the certificate to the buyer.
Find out if you will need a planning permit. Town planning overlays may apply to your property, if so, you will need a permit. Before work begins, you will need to ask the building surveyor for a building permit. The building permit ensures that all municipal guidelines have been met, as well as, all safety and structural requirements. In order to obtain a building permit your builder will need the following:
1. A copy of the Certificate of Title2. A copy of the block plan showing all existing buildings3. A letter of authority for the builder to apply for the permit on your behalf4. A signed agreement to comply with the requirements to provide5. A safety barrier/pool fence
Also, the building surveyor will need; a copy of the town planning permit(if required) and a copy of the insurance certificate(from your pool builder). You will be issued a certificate of final inspection and a copy will be given to the builder. The certificate must be issued before filling the pool.
Once the pool is complete, you will need to contact your local water authority, to find out if water restrictions apply. You will have to complete two forms, one is the water exemption request, the other is the water conservation plan. Under the water conservation plan, you will list the areas where you will save water, e.g. water saving shower nozzle, dual flush toilets. Some water saving devices qualify for the Victorian Government’s rebate scheme. Your pool builder can assist with these forms.
Your warranty will commence once construction is complete and you have been issued a Certificate of Completion from your builder. Your pool will be covered for 6 years under the domestic builders insurance. Contact your builder with any concerns about your pool.…
Firewise Landscaping Maintenance
Firewise Landscaping Maintenance
Firewise landscaping is a tool that is used to keep homes which may be in close proximity to forested areas safer when or if a wildfire makes an appearance. Learning how to care for your Firewise landscaping isn’t rocket science. It simply takes a little insight into how the fire will grow and spread. You probably discussed why certain aspects of the landscape were placed in certain ways, learned why the landscaping had open areas and a wider lawn. You know that these things help to prevent the spread of fire.
Once you’ve committed to making your landscaping Firewise, there will be a little maintenance involved in it. The principles of Firewise landscaping are those of keeping your landscaping free of flammables, or as far as possible.
This means that you will keep your residential landscaping in such a way that if a fire does take place, especially in those areas where forest and residence lay closely together, that your landscaping will play a part in keeping the home safe.
Because plants and trees are dynamic, constantly evolving and growing entities, they will require some care to assure that you’re Firewise landscaping remains fire wise. Firewise landscaping maintenance merely means keeping it as closely aligned to the original Firewise design as possible.
What Does Firewise Maintenance Involve?
Over time, your landscaping, even Firewise landscaping will change. The springtime gives way to autumn, pine trees will shed needles, leaves will fall and underbrush in the surrounding areas will grow and then dry out. The mulch surrounding your plants may dry still further, while plants will begin to spread and take over more of the area.
Trees too will begin to seed and to spread. The branches may sag a bit more and lie over the rooftop, or come lower to the ground. Shrubbery will raise taller to come closer to the windows or walls of your home.
Each of these items can present a fire hazard if they are left to their own devices. The Firewise landscaping only works if well maintained. It is part of an entire fire safety plan and will be a tremendous help if well maintained, but like any other machine, it needs a little oiling once in a while.
Clear out any dried mulch, dried ground plants or dead leaves. Make sure that there are not piles of dead branches in the area. Prune the shrubbery if any exists near your home or the out building structures, and keep all dead and dying grasses trimmed as close to the ground as possible.
Remove any dead plants and if you have plants which have strayed further than you wished them to out of their set areas, remove them. Dig up and transplant or give away plants that have spread outside their designated borders so that you’re not contributing to a ladder fuel effect.
Cut back low hanging branches of any trees in the immediate area, and make sure that your driveways and yard are kept free of fuels.
Keeping the Firewise landscaping maintained means keeping your home as safe as possible from a wildfire. Proper Firewise landscaping maintenance also improves the overall look of your house and your yard.
Your Firewise landscape is a healthier one, it is a landscape in which fire can’t travel long distances, led on by the fuel that is properly placed to engender disaster. Dead plants and leaves are not visible anywhere, piles of fall leaves are removed and low hanging trees simply don’t exist in your area.…
Landscaping Lighting Tips Every Homeowner Needs
Landscaping Lighting Tips Every Homeowner Needs
The right outdoor lighting not only allows you to enjoy your landscaping after the sun sets but also provides much needed safety and security. Use lighting to highlight favorite plants, trees, and shrubs along with lighting your home’s facade. Here’s a few other tips:
Add drama and ambiance to your front porch and home by directing your lights skyward.
If you don’t want to figure out wiring, use solar landscape lighting. Solar lights are ideal for lighting paths and flower gardens. They turn on automatically as the sun sets and turn off as daylight arrives.
Be sure you have a timer to automatically turn the lights on and off. Place timers in an accessible area. When daylight hours change you need to adjust the timer – which is a minor drawback.
Motion lights are important for your safety and security. You may want to have motion lights on the sides and back of your home or other dark areas.
Light bulbs should be shielded in some way to prevent glare; do not allow the bulbs to be visible.
Landscape light wattage should not exceed 20 watts (preferably in the 7 -13 watt range is best).
Live near saltwater? Select brass or copper light fixtures.
Use extra lights to illuminate steps and walkways. Our eyes need time to adjust from a well lit room indoors to a darker environment outdoors.
Place lights at both the top and bottom and along the sides if your staircase if it is long. Two or three steps may be lit by using only one light if its beam is sufficient to light all stair treads.
Another great option is to hang sconces on your columns at the top of the stairs.
Try to avoid spotlights near your porch. They will provide sufficient light but tend to create glare making it difficult to differentiate between steps.
Landscape lighting has become the norm of the average homeowner thanks to the convenience of do-it-yourself landscape lighting kits. With a huge range of lighting designs and information available on line, it is a project almost any homeowner can do.…
Maximize Your Back Yard With A Professionally Designed Landscaping Project
Maximize Your Back Yard With A Professionally Designed Landscaping Project
Engaging a professional landscaping design firm to offer you a plan for your back yard or garden may seem cost-prohibitive until you take a closer look at what you get in return for that wise investment.
The reality is that if you don’t get an layout plan for your back yard, you will run the risk of having it improperly designed. It may offer you a layout that is far less than the welcoming haven that you had in mind. That’s not really what you had in mind for your back yard landscaping.
In many cases, just jumping in without a real plan of action, you may find your yard or garden simply won’t have the appearance or functionality that you wanted. To cut to the chase, a professional design can maximize your back yard and is the virtual backbone of the most successful landscaping projects. The professional landscaping design should be where every home owner begins. Using the existing elements, such as a professional landscaping designer will incorporate means less money spent for landscaping and more bang for your landscaping dollar.
What Benefits Does a Professional Offer You?
Your professional landscaping designers brings with him or her a wealth of information about the overall design processes. They will draw on their knowledge of the soil in your area, the other elements such as fire-wise landscaping, or desert landscaping that may enter into play for you, and they look at other elements such as the topography of your area in order to assure that you have all of the practicalities covered before they begin to assess what is practical and what will work for you.
You are given what is a concept plan for your back yard landscaping. It’s a very low cost portion of your overall landscaping bill and will be one which will assure the success of your landscaping project. The bottom line is that a professional landscaping plan can save you a great deal of time, money, and headaches when it comes to your landscaping.
The concept plan takes into account every portion of the design, tells you where lighting may be necessary because of darkened areas such as trees that will be in place, as well as what will grow best in your soil and require the least amount of work and time outlay on your part. A fully designed professional landscape not only tells you what will be your best bet so far as the elements in your landscaping design, but works to help you in the long term.
With the right professional landscaping design you will maximize the potential for your back yard and garden and need less effort to keep it looking great. That means you spend more time enjoying your back yard landscaping and less time working to maintain it.…